¡Bebamos!
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Your "go to" for drinks in Madrid. ¡Salud!
DRINK
AUTHOR
Kevin Dao
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HEADER PHOTO
Jaclyn Lewis
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DATE
6 February 2019​
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DRINK​
There is something about being in Madrid: drinking an ice cold beer out on a terrace; listening to dismayed fans as they watch their star soccer player miss a goal on television; And taking in the smell of that distinct fried tapas that fill the air. Or in the winter you are sipping on thick hot chocolate; biting into a crunchy, sweet churro; all while appreciating the warm air that heats up your near hypothermic body. There is something about experiencing these moments that you can not recreate elsewhere.
Although the elements in making cocktails, beer or wine are virtually the same anywhere you go, it’s the region’s specific liquor in the cocktail, the certain grains and hops in the beer and the local fermented grapes in the wine that make the beverage special. We highlighted six distinct drinks from Spain that you must try…even if you have consumed it at another part of the world. In my opinion, it's just not the same. So cheers! Or better, salud!
Sangria
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Word on the street, locals actually don't drink sangria; or they actually prefer beer or wine. That didn't stop us from searching for the perfect glass. It is usually red or white wine mixed with fruit like apples, pears or pineapple. Some places make it with juice, seltzer or lemon-lime soda.
Cava
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If champagne is to France, then cava is to Spain. It is light, crisp and bubbly. Unlike some countries where they reserve sparkling wine for special occasions, you see just about every place in Madrid serving up this refreshing drink.
Cerveza - Beer
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Cerverza is a staple in Spanish culture. Usually ordered as una cana (small glass) or un tubo (tall glass). Don't be surprised if you walk in the bar and they only serve one kind of draft. But if you are lucky, there some places are starting to embrace craft beers.
Vino - Wine
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Like France, Spain produces some of the finest wines in the world. You can find some great vino tinto (red wine) from La Rioja region; or vino blanco from the northern coast by San Sebastian. Ask the bartender for some recommendations.
Tinto de Verano​
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Tinto de verano is translated "summer wine" in Spanish. Locals choose this beverage over Sangria. It's simple: pour fizzy lemonade soda in a glass of red or wine wine. That's it. Plus it's a great drink for "non wine drinkers."
Vermut - Vermouth​
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Vermouth is usually seen as an addition to a martini or manhattan. However, Spaniards have embraced this sweet fortified wine straight up or on the rocks. You can mix it with carbonated water or sip on it with a garnish of olive or orange peel.